Beer tours to cave hikes: These are the best things to do in Flagstaff

Do you want to feel a gentle evergreen breeze? Smell the scent of pine trees and hear the chirping of birds? See mountains in the distance? Get all the summer vibes when you visit Flagstaff, Arizona.

Flagstaff's combination of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions and historical charm makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a diverse and memorable getaway experience.

Although Flagstaff serves as a gateway to numerous attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park and Meteor Crater, the city boasts its own popular attractions that you won’t want to miss.

Here are six of the best things to do in Flagstaff.

Free and cheap in Flagstaff: Walking tours, murals, wildlife viewing and more

Study the skies at Lowell Observatory

This research institution and public education center is one of the oldest observatories in the United States and has a rich history of astronomical discoveries.

Established in 1894, it is best known for the discovery of Pluto and its association with the study of Mars, as founder Percival Lowell was a prominent advocate of the idea that there were canals on the surface of Mars, a theory that later proved to be incorrect.

Lowell Observatory offers public programs and events throughout the year, including guided tours, telescope viewing sessions and astronomy-related presentations. Visitors can observe celestial objects through historic telescopes such as the Clark Telescope, a 24-inch refracting telescope used extensively for planetary and lunar observations in the past.

Flagstaff is known for its commitment to preserving dark skies. As a result, the observatory benefits from minimal light pollution, making it an excellent location for stargazing.

Details: Noon-10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon-6 p.m. Tuesday; noon-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff. $13-$29; free for age 4 and younger. 928-774-3358, lowell.edu.

Learn Indigenous history at Walnut Canyon National Monument

Just a quick drive from downtown Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon National Monument, where visitors can hike past structures that date to the 1100s and learn about the canyon's cultural and historical importance. The monument offers insights into the architecture, agricultural practices and daily life of the Sinagua people who inhabited the region.

The main feature of Walnut Canyon is the dwellings built into the limestone cliffs. They can be seen along the Island Trail, which descends steeply via stairs and provides an up-close view of the structures. It's important to note that due to the delicate nature of the ruins, visitors are not allowed to enter the dwellings and shouldn't touch them.

In addition to the Island Trail, there are scenic overlooks along the rim of the canyon that offer panoramic views of the landscape below. These overlooks are easily accessible and provide great photo opportunities.

Details: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff off Interstate 40. $25 per vehicle, good for seven days. 928-526-3367, nps.gov.

Where to eat in Flagstaff: These 10 restaurants show off the city's best cooking right now

Explore the Lava River Cave

Want to go somewhere to cool? The Lava River Cave north of Flagstaff is 42 degrees year round.

This popular destination is a natural lava tube cave that was formed by molten lava flows from nearby volcanoes over 700,000 years ago. As the lava flowed, the outer edges cooled and solidified, while the inner lava continued to flow, eventually emptying out, leaving behind a hollow tube-like cave.

The Lava River Cave is about 0.7 mile long, making it one of the longest lava tubes in Arizona. The width and height vary throughout the cave, ranging from narrow passageways to larger chambers. Some areas may require crawling or climbing over rocks, and you'll clamber down a jumble of rocks to enter the cave.

Be prepared for the environs: There's no light inside the cave so bring two sources of light, extra batteries and warm clothes.

Details: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn left on Forest Road 245 (at mile marker 230). Continue 3 miles and turn left on FR 171. Drive 1 mile and turn left on FR 171B to the parking lot. Free. 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov.

Stroll and sip along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Ditch the wilderness and go into the heart of Flagstaff for a different kind of trail. Flagstaff breweries have collaborated to create a drinking experience that lets you sample the city's thriving beer scene.

Register for a digital passport, download the map and make your way along the trail, collecting passport stamps as you go. Some of the breweries you can visit are Mother Road Brewing Company, Wanderlust Brewing Company, Lumberyard Brewing Company and Beaver Street Brewery.

No purchase is necessary to receive a stamp. Once you have all eight stamps, bring your completed passport to the Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau to receive a souvenir pint glass.

Details: Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1 E. Route 66. craftbeerflg.com.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

If you have an interest in history, architecture or simply enjoy exploring well-preserved homes, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff is worth a visit.

Brothers Timothy and Michael Riordan married sisters Caroline and Elizabeth Metz and the two families lived in the mansion, built in 1904 and designed as two nearly identical homes with a common area in the center. It was created by architect Charles Whittlesey, who designed El Tovar hotel at Grand Canyon.

Visitors can tour the mansion, a fine example of Arts and Crafts-style architecture. Reservations are recommended.

Details: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. Admission to the grounds is $2 (free for age 6 and younger; waived for people with tour reservations. Tours cost $12, $7 for ages 7-13, free for age 6 and younger. 928-779-4395, azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion.

Indigenous culture and art Museum of Northern Arizona

The Museum of Northern Arizona is a trove of historical information and an excellent destination for anyone curious about the human and natural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. You will leave with a deeper appreciation for the region's diverse landscapes and peoples.

The museum has a strong focus on the diverse Native American tribes and their history in the region, as well as the geology, biology and anthropology of the area. Collections include artwork, archaeological artifacts, paleontology specimens and more

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday; closed on Tuesday. 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. $15, $10 for age 10-17 and Native Americans 10 and older, free for age 9 and younger. 928-774-5213, musnaz.org.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

Support local journalism and subscribe to azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best things to do in Flagstaff: Beer tour, cave hike, stargazing